posted
And thank God too, because obviously it isn't the story or characters that are responsible, but the medium in which they are presented. All this time we had it backwards! Kudos to the executives for showing artists the error of their ways.

-----

The New Non-Toon Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network has an innovative solution for boosting its sagging ratings. Producing better cartoons? Nope. Producing non-cartoons. The network announced last week it has begun taking pitches for live-action programming and hired Ramsey Naito as VP of long-form development.

Only problem: Networks that significantly alter their programming or format run the risk of angering cable operators for deviating from their agreed-upon programming mission. "This is going to be a problem," said cable distribution consultant Cathy Rasenberger. "To add live action to a network that's defined by cartoons may be impossible to do given the content restrictions in their agreements. Allowing this is totally up to the operators. It just sounds like a major deviation."

But cable operators were split on whether such changes could cause a conflict. "We always closely watch what programmers do, especially if they make changes that take them away from how they sold us the service," said David Grabert, spokesman for Cox. "This is the first we've heard of these plans, but if we feel like they're going too far, we'll let them know."

A spokesperson for another multiple system operator said Cartoon shouldn't worry.

"Their contract with us doesn't stipulate against live action," the spokesperson said. "As long as the change doesn't alter the spirit of the channel, they're fine."

The Mostly Cartoon Network did not return a call for comment by press time. -James Hibberd

posted
ADULT SWIM is threatening to do that, I think - unless it's a joke. I just saw an ad on SWIM for something that looked like a really accurate parody of an 80s live-action show with kids singing awful music. The commercial claims this show will run for two weeks in April at midnight. If it's true, it sucks.
IP: Logged